Tuesday night storm damages two houses

A tree falling on a house and a separate residential fire are being attributed to a late evening storm on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

White County firefighters responded to a report of a tree falling on a home on Independent Drive in southern White County around 10:30 p.m., according to a statement from White County Public Safety. It was reported that the tree fell during the storm that night.

The homeowners were sitting in their car when firefighters arrived. Fire personnel checked the home to ensure there were no additional hazards. The Red Cross was called to assist the homeowners.

Before the homeowners exited the house, they secured the power to the house before fire personnel arrived. The house had heavy damage on the inside and out, including roof damage. There were no reports of injuries.

Later that same night, at 11:01 p.m., authorities responded to a report of lightning striking a house on Phillips Drive. White County firefighters, the Cleveland Fire Department and the Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute Fire Brigade responded to find flames showing through the roof of the home.

All the occupants were out of the home, and the Red Cross was called to assist the three adults and one pet, the statement said. White County requested the use of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) personnel to assist with responder rehab. A vehicle in the garage had heat and smoke damage, but no injuries were reported. Firefighters were on the scene for six hours.